A server sounds a bit like a person who will bring you food at a restaurant but it is sort of right as it is a device that brings information to other devices. In this guide we will discuss why a server versus using the cloud and what you need to consider when buying one.
A server is a computer solution or a device that provides functionality for other programs or devices, called “clients”(Your PC is a client). This architecture is called the client-server model, and a centralised server running special software designed for it will provide data to client PC’s.
WHY do I need a Server?
The most common solutions a server would provide in a small business are to store and share large files that multiple people work on, including video. You may host your email on your server or even your own internal or external website. If you need a specialist machine to help you run your business to help control and monitor machinery. You may have a database that is like a massive computerised filing cabinet. You may use it to secure your business including managing secure logins (passwords) and to back up all your PC’s so in the event of a failure, you can restore your information.
WHAT is the benefit of a Server vs the Cloud?
The decision you must make upfront is whether you will use the cloud or an internal server. We have an essential guide specifically discussing cloud computing. The reality of this is the cloud is only a bunch of servers as well, owned by someone else. The advantage of the cloud is someone else is buying and maintaining the servers and as long as the internet is working you get access to them.
Reasons I would not use the cloud?
- Cost. A server may have a large upfront cost but overtime will be cheaper than renting capacity on cloud servers. Note many software solutions (applications) are now only available on the cloud. You own your server you don’t own the cloud.
- Speed. If you are working on large files that you need to access constantly the internet may not be fast enough. Internally you might be able to serve files at 10Gbps, via the internet this might be 100Mbps thus 100 x faster. Having some sort of file sharing server internally makes sense if your employees are sharing files.
- Internet Bandwidth. If you data allowance is not unlimited moving files to and from the cloud can quickly consume your allowance.
- Privacy and jurisdiction. While most cloud service providers have excellent security operations that protect your privacy, there is nothing more private than having all of your data located on-premises. The cloud can also be anywhere in the world, meaning your data could be sitting in America or China.
- Local Applications. Some server software is not available on the cloud so you must run it locally.
- Management. You must maintain your servers which means paying someone to do that, you must power them and give them space. You do however have control of them and at any time you can add more storage or memory and if there is spare capacity have them do another job without additional hardware investment.
HOW do I make a decision on what hardware I need?
A server is not something you buy off a shelf and it is normally tailored for your needs.
Where would you put a server? A server needs a spot that is clean, secure, is unlikely to get knocked over, has power, and network access. You may consider a dedicated rack or room.
A server needs someone who can set it up and maintain it. Great if you have someone on staff but otherwise you will need to hire external help. See our article on IT support.
Below are some of the basics in understanding various options involved in a purchase:
- Brand. We recommend you purchase one from a reputable brand that has years of experience producing a reliable solution and the warranty network to keep parts available. Servers are designed to run 24×7 unlike your PC but moving parts do fail.
- Redundancy. So if moving parts do fail, servers allow redundancy to be built in. You can have redundant fans, redundant power supplies, and redundant disk drives. All components with moving parts and the most likely to fail.
- Expansion. Servers are normally built with the ability to expand. You can add more memory, more disk drives, and even additional processors. Thus you might consider your future needs up to 3-4 years and if you believe you will need to add capacity. After this time you will need to consider buying a new one to ensure reliability.
- Drives. Disk drives store your data and come in different sizes and speeds. Speed relates to how fast you can read and write to the disk. Size relates to the amount of data/files you can store on the disk. The physical size will be no different.
- Rack or tower. Servers come in a tower configuration that looks like a large PC box or rack which is like a big pizza box that can slide into a standard rack enclosure. A rack enclosure will also host other computing infrastructure like network switches.
- Operating System. This is like windows but in the case of a server you have the choice of either a windows server operating system or a Linux based one. If you do not understand this talk to an IT specialist.
- Application Server. This is a box that is pre-built and configured to do a job and can be switched on and running in minutes. An example would be a file sharing solution that by connecting to your network allows everyone in the office to share the same files.
HINT
Unless you are super confident it is best to discuss your needs with IT specialists who can help you on your journey. Be sure to read our essential guide on IT Support.
SUMMARY – Server effort vs benefit A server is a big undertaking for small businesses and must be managed and maintained well. It does however give you control over your solution including the security of your data and is the most cost-effective solution in the long run